Sales tax frustration

It’s a job killer and it needs to change. That’s the message from multiple Michigan retailers who say they’re frustrated with losing sales to big online stores. They’re taking that message to Washington D.C., asking lawmakers to force online retailers to charge sales tax. Michigan Retailers Association spokesman Tom Scott says if retailers inside the state of Michigan are required to collect sales tax on purchases, than so should all the other retailers that sell into Michigan. According to Scott, Michigan retailers are losing over $8-billion in sales because of the online loophole, amounting to the loss of thousands of jobs. He adds that it costs the state over $500 million in lost sales tax, most of which would go to support the schools. Scott says the ultimate solution is for Congress to act because then it would be a nationwide solution and it would cover everybody. The retailers will be meeting with Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow to push for change. Among those joining in the talks include a retailer from Traverse City and a jewelry store owner from Lowell. (MRN)